“It has been a complete life changer for me. The only way to go is a Pleasure-Way. I could’ve lived in it for the rest of my life.”
An In-depth Interview with Marilyn Melstein.
We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Marilyn Melstein, a 2018 Lexor TS owner.
This city gal became a seasoned traveler, who with her fully equipped RV (minus a dishwasher & a washing machine) experienced the wonders of our beautiful country, in her wonderful Pleasure-Way, which took her to destinations we only wish we could see.
1. What inspired you to begin van-life?
I don’t know what inspired me. I grew up in the city, I hate bugs, and I’ve never camped before- But I bought an RV. I heard “You better rent one first!”, so I did. The dealership helped turn everything on for me and said “don’t touch anything,” as it was all ready to go! The first time I took the rented RV out camping, it didn’t go perfectly. I bought the wrong cable extension, and two days later I had no power, and I didn’t have a clue. Nonetheless, nothing stopped me, and I bought my 2018 Lexor TS. I heard “You’re off your rocker!” afterward, but I’ve never been more thrilled.
2. Why did you choose a Pleasure-Way for your first motorhome?
I needed something small that I could handle and easy to park. I also had a phenomenal salesman, he really listened to me and my needs with my medical issues. I needed a big fridge, and the model was so beautiful, I had to buy it.
3. What features in your Pleasure-Way do you enjoy the most?
It had everything I needed. I can park anywhere, it’s small and has the comfort of home, the bathroom in the van is a huge plus, I am able to avoid the long lines for the bathrooms at National Parks, which comes in handy! It’s truly like taking my house with me, I never have to pack or unpack. To me, it is the best way to travel- I really do love it.
4. What challenges have you faced on the road?
I went to the Cape May rally, and I was so prepared. I brought levellers, but as much as I tried I could not get it level. It was 11 inches off, and I tried for an hour before I gave up and planned to head home. In tears on my way out, I stopped by to talk with Bobbi, Harold, and Ray, and they kindly helped me level my motorhome and get set up! I was so grateful for their help and so glad I stayed.
During an unofficial Rally in Big Timber, I realized how much I did not know about troubleshooting. If I knew how much I didn’t know, I wouldn’t have gone. The generator started making a weird noise- so I pulled over and called Cummins, and later on drove to their store where they took great care of me. They found the issue, fixed it, let me sleep in their parking lot, and I was back on the road the next day!
5. Do you have any advice for new Pleasure-Way owners?
Join all of the Facebook Groups! It is a great resource for tutorials, and I always get the help I need within 15 minutes! I print out the tutorials people have shared and I keep them in my van just in case. I also download all of the manuals to save space, and make it easier on myself as I can directly search what I am looking for instead of flipping through pages to find it. Another great resource is the list serve, by Barbra Lynn Smith.
6. Extra tips you’re willing to share!
This is the best way to see our beautiful country. I’ve been across Canada and most of the US with no time lines. I am able to stop wherever I’d like if I see a neat destination on my way to a National Park. It has been a complete life changer for me. The only way to go is a Pleasure-Way. I could’ve lived in it for the rest of my life.